Visa & Immigration Service Advising is committed to offering immigration advising and support services that help ensure the academic and personal success of our international students and scholars, including their families. Additionally, we support departments and colleges in hiring international researchers and faculty. Our services include:
- Advising on facilitating compliance with U.S. immigration regulations
- Assisting with employment and tax paperwork
- Aiding with non-academic, personal and cultural challenges
- Supporting health insurance usage and compliance
- Offering financial support for international student professional development through the ISAB Scholarship
- Facilitating the Global Certificate Program for ODU faculty, staff and graduates assistants
- Providing notary services, support letters, and tax filling assistance
International students are defined as "non-immigrant" visitors who come to the United States temporarily to take classes or take online courses virtually from anywhere in the world. A non-immigrant is someone who meets one or more of the following criteria:
- intends to stay in the US temporarily.
- does not have US citizenship or legal permanent resident status (a valid "green card")
- currently is in the US on a non-immigrant visa status (without a valid green card)
- applies for a visa to be allowed entry into the US.
In the United States, there are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M.
Check-In for New International Students
Newly admitted international students and international students returning to start a new academic program must Check-In Online with Visa & Immigration Service Advising (VISA) as soon as possible after arrival to the United States. International Student Check-In is a federally mandated process that requires every international student to report their information to VISA and have their immigration documents reviewed. We ask that you do not submit the eform before you arrive in the United States.
The online check-in form can be accessed .
ALLÂ required documents are to be scanned in color and uploaded;Â photos are not accepted.
Departmental Highlights
At ODU, cultures and traditions are celebrated, and diverse points of view respected. Our students are engaged in impactful conversations, research, and entrepreneurship addressing global issues and needs. Join us!